President Sahibzada Wasim Haider’s Press Conference at Mardan Press Club

Mardan, September 5, 2024 – Today, Sahibzada Wasim Haider, President of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, addressed a press conference at Mardan Press Club, where he highlighted crucial educational issues faced by students across the province. During the conference, he emphasized the need for urgent reforms in universities and colleges to ensure accessible education for all students, especially those from financially constrained backgrounds.

Key Points of the Press Conference:

1. Reduction in University Fees: Sahibzada Wasim Haider urged the government to reduce university fees, stating that the excessive fee hikes have made higher education unattainable for the average student. He stressed that education is a basic right and should remain within the reach of every student.
2. Employment for Educated Youth: He called on the government to provide ample job opportunities for educated youth, noting that unemployment among graduates is becoming a growing concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
3. Immediate Resolution of Financial Crises in Universities: He brought attention to the financial difficulties of 21 universities across the province, calling for immediate intervention to resolve these crises.
4. Appointment of Permanent Vice-Chancellors: Sahibzada Wasim Haider demanded the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors in 26 universities to ensure smooth academic and administrative operations.
5. Hostel Issues in Universities and Colleges: He also called for immediate solutions to the ongoing issues related to student hostels in universities and colleges, urging the government to improve the living conditions for students.
6. Education Emergency for School Enrollment: Highlighting the alarming number of 4.7 million out-of-school children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he proposed the implementation of an educational emergency. He also stressed the need to increase the education budget to address this crisis.
7. Opposition to University Asset Sales: Sahibzada Wasim Haider strongly opposed the government’s plan to sell university assets to cover financial deficits, warning of strong resistance in collaboration with other student organizations if the plan is not withdrawn.
8. Restoration of Student Unions: He announced that Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba will file a petition in the High Court in September for the restoration of student unions, which he described as the constitutional and fundamental right of every student.
9. Support for Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Cause: The President reminded the public of Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba’s pivotal role in the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat cause. He revealed that the organization will launch an awareness campaign to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic constitutional amendment affirming the finality of Prophethood.
10. Addressing Drug Use and Harassment: Sahibzada Wasim Haider urged the government to take serious measures to curb the growing issues of drug use and harassment in educational institutions.
11. Improving Literacy Rates: With Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s literacy rate lagging behind other provinces, he called on the government to launch targeted initiatives to improve literacy, particularly in tribal districts.
12. “Utho Jahan Badal Do” Campaign: He announced Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba’s ambitious campaign to reach 1 million students with the message of transformation through education and activism.
13. All Parties Conferences on Educational Issues: Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will hold district-level All Parties Conferences in October to unite stakeholders in addressing educational challenges and advocating for the restoration of student unions. A province-wide conference will also be held later in October, inviting political leaders, student organizations, teachers, journalists, and other stakeholders to develop a joint action plan.
14. Long March Option: If the government fails to address these demands, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba, in collaboration with other student organizations, reserves the right to organize a long march in Peshawar.
15. Reduction in Medical College Entry Test Fees: Expressing disappointment over the high fee for medical college entry tests, Sahibzada Wasim Haider called for a reduction from PKR 8,000 to PKR 1,000 to make the test more accessible to all students.
16. Tribute to Teachers: In October, Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba will organize major events to honor teachers, presenting them with books and bouquets in recognition of their contributions to society.

In conclusion, Sahibzada Wasim Haider stressed that the current challenges in the education sector demand immediate action. He called upon the government to address these pressing issues to secure a brighter future for the students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.